My Lucky Life in and Out of Show Business

A Memoir

The star of one of the most popular sitcoms of the 1960s and of classic films such as "Mary Poppins" and "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang," Dick Van Dyke pens a lively, heartwarming memoir of his multi-layered life.

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I have long been a fan of Dick's and find him to be wildly talented. However this book, while interesting and full of details about his private and professional life, left me a little flat. It also left me curious as to why he singled out a few people and painted them in a negative light. In particular he relates a story about Danny Kaye, another man I am very fond of, and relates a story whereby he makes Danny to look insecure and petty. Probably a true anecdote, but why mention it? Danny Kaye is long since deceased. What good does it do to sully his good name now about something that happened decades ago? Details of his longtime relationship with notorious "palimony" litigant Michelle Triola bored me. It seemed as he were trying to justify leaving his lovely wife and mother of his children for the scheming Triola, whom he never married even though they were together 30 years until her death. The details about his struggle with Alcoholism were interesting though, and it was nice to get his side of that story. His early days as a civil rights activist were also very interesting and a side of him I'd never heard of. His religious opinions are also expressed and although it seems he started out a devout Christian, he seems to have eventually drifted into a fairly loose new-world philosopher with an open mind to many religious view points. My recommendation: skip this book - you're time is better spent watching re-runs of his TV shows and movies.

Easy reading autobiography that takes you back to the 60's and talks about the filming of Mary Poppins and popular shows Dick Van Dyke was in. Fun to remember some of the funny episodes and famous stars.

I have read the book and I had liked it this is the book for everyone to read

jdaigle3
Apr 18, 2012

A very enjoyable read with the expected numerous lighthearted sections. It did have quite a few serious moments which was good. It is always nice to see another side of a favorite actor.

To my mind it was very much like an interview with Dick van Dyke!

BPLNextBestAdults
Jan 05, 2012

Legendary actor Dick Van Dyke’s memoir of his extraordinary life makes a fast and entertaining read. Who doesn’t remember his character Rob Petrie from the Dick Van Dyke show and Bert from Mary Poppins? These characters still entertain today just as they did in the 1960s.
His memoir traces his public and personal life from his first job at 17 as a part-time radio announcer for the local CBS radio station, to his ongoing projects in which he is currently involved. It doesn’t appear that he has any plans for retirement! Van Dyke also discusses his 36 year marriage to his wife Margie, his children and his 35-year relationship with Michelle Triola.
The library has this book available in a variety of formats; print, book on CD as well as downloadable ebook and audiobook! Pick your favourite format and enjoy reading about one of North America’s favourite entertainers.

chinabea
Oct 26, 2011

Dick Van Dyke is the best of the best actors/writers/entertainers. This is a great book of his life, very easy reading and is a fun book to read!

jinx402
Sep 28, 2011

Dick Van Dyke is one of my favorite actors. The book was never slow in places or boring. I loved reading inside info about The Dick Van Dyke show.